Another point worth mentioning, is that Linux (the kernel) is almost certainly remaining under GPLv2 for the forseeable future, so even if Novell is unable or unwilling to comply with GPLv3, they will still apparently be able to distribute "Linux" under GPLv2 for some time.

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“Another point worth mentioning, is that Linux (the kernel) is almost certainly remaining under GPLv2 for the forseeable future, so even if Novell is unable or unwilling to comply with GPLv3, they will still apparently be able to distribute “Linux” under GPLv2 for some time.”

That’s what I thought … Linus (and a few others) want(s) the kernel to stay under GPLv2. This means the GPLv3 will have very little if any effect on the Microvell deal / contract. They can easily develop or use software that is not under v3. For example, I know Intel makes a decent closed-source complier that would easily substitute gcc. So, I mean, unless really super critical parts of GNU, things that will cause GNU/Linux to not to function at a decent level without some major investment in developing new software, get upgraded to v3, then there is nothing stopping the evil empire from expanding, destroying, and/or dominating Linux and a good portion of GNU. Or maybe Hurd is the last and only hope ? Maybe BSD ? I feel the evil empire has already won Maybe there was never any hope in the first place ….

Most linux distributions contain lots of GNU software. Even though they can still use software from version 2, if they were blocked completly from the GNU aspect..there wouldn’t be much of an actual operating system left.

“Of course, Novell has already pledged to comply with GPLv3 in whatever form it should take, so I suppose this is all much ado about nothing, right?”

I think they stated this before the FSF decided to go after them directly.

“So, I mean, unless really super critical parts of GNU, things that will cause GNU/Linux to not to function at a decent level without some major investment in developing new software, get upgraded to v3″

The problem is that if you get a piece of software under the GPLv2..you have a choice of using it under future licenses. So, Novell can still use anything under the GPLv2 (which includes all current gnu software) and they won’t have a problem.

The drawback to them is that they will not be able to get updates (if they want to sell it under the deal with Microsoft) and will have to hire more developers rather than just using code from the community.

Staff of the EPO is given yet more reasons to protest tomorrow at the British Consulate, for the so-called 'President' of the EPO reminds everyone of the very raison d'être for the protest -- a vain disregard for the rule of law

The European Patent Office (EPO) President, Benoît Battistelli, reportedly started threatening -- as before -- staff that decides to exercise the right to assemble and protest against abuses, including the abuses of President Battistelli himself

A protest in Munich in less than 6 days will target Mr. Sean Dennehey, who has helped Battistelli cover up his abuses and crush legitimate critics, whom he deemed illegal opposition as if the EPO is an authoritarian regime as opposed to a public service which taxpayers are reluctantly (but forcibly) funding